The biological interaction of astrocytes and collagen/soy protein based biocompatible matrices for assistance in neural recuperation
Abstract
Astrocytes play significant roles in various cell processes of the central nervous system
(CNS), that actively participate in neuronal regulation for functional regeneration and repair of brain
or spinal cord injuries. Astrocytes are specialized to assist in the reduction of damaged tissue
surrounding the injury site and simultaneously stitch back the disrupted blood brain barrier in support
of neural tissue and maintenance of brain homeostasis. Glial scar is the result of astrogliosis where
astrocytes migrate to the target site and extensively proliferate to protect cells from further damage.
Astrocyte motility and migration can be modulated through molecular interaction with various
biocompatible environments like collagen (animal protein) and soy protein isolates (plant protein,
SPI). Collagen type I is a popularly used biocompatible matrix in biological and medical settings. It
portrays well-designed structure and closely mimics the function of extracellular matrix protein in
controlling cell survival, migration, and other properties. Soy protein isolates, in combination with
collagen, have shown good scaffolding properties with no cytotoxic or degradation effects.
SPI/collagen combinations serve as a promising biocompatible matrix for tissue regeneration
processes. In this study, we focus on fabrication of hybrid collagen-SPI biocompatible matrices and
analyze the properties of these as hydrogels and substrates to provide a potential bioenvironment for
astrocyte development, function, survival, and migration. These studies further expand on the
significant potential these matrices possess, providing diverse properties influencing the survival and
migration of astrocytes that assist neural recuperation while serving as a filling material in neural
conduits designed in previous studies.
Description
Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Biological Sciences